An MP isn't doing an average job and £27k isn't the average for London. There is a clue in the word 'expenses' as to what they are. Most people don't get them - and that is an assumption that I don't believe - because they're given what they need to do their job rather than having to provide everything. Anyone not in receipt of expenses can claim tax relief on work expenses.

£74k for long hours, regular commuting to and living in London, regular separation from family, press intrusion, often tedious work, little social life...?
You can jog on. MPs either really believe in what they're doing or show a distinct lack of ambition.

LE

Not that I'm calling you a liar but I'd be interested to see the link to your source of information as I'm surprised that there is not a complete media stink to the tune of "MP's still claiming twice as much as their annual salary in expenses."

On ROPS

Not that I'm calling you a liar but I'd be interested to see the link to your source of information as I'm surprised that there is not a complete media stink to the tune of "MP's still claiming twice as much as their annual salary in expenses."

LE

It's also easy to say when you're already independently wealthy and don't really need paying at all.
It's a bit different for those from 'the real world' for whom it is their sole income. £74k p.a., living in London and constituency, long hours, with the media delving into every aspect of your - and your family's - current and past life, and it effectively ending any other career you may have is hardly the stuff of dreams.
A half decent plumber earns that, for far less.

I've heard that BT engineers are given free use of a van, even if they own one themselves.
It's just shocking.

BT employed engineers do not own vans, they belong to the company, and are not meant to be used for private use, I know of at least two that have been sacked for using the company van for personal use. Contractors on the other hand are a different matter.

LE

BT employed engineers do not own vans, they belong to the company, and are not meant to be used for private use, I know of at least two that have been sacked for using the company van for personal use. Contractors on the other hand are a different matter.

LE

In all fairness though Construction workers are not elected officials charged with making serious decisions or acting on behalf of their constituents.

Whether they're sh1t at being an MP or not is a separate issue. But I'm sure you would agree that an MP has a lot more responsibility than your average construction worker.

I'm all for throwing the boot into MP's as much as we like to belittle The Police, The Fire Service and that budget airline that carries bombs and passes itself off as an armed force.

But

We'd all be crying like a good'un if our MP couldn't afford the trip to London for an important debate or was persistently unavailable because they couldn't afford to pay someone to answer their phone/emails.

MP's need paying a decent wedge, I don't think the vast majority of sensible people have an issue with that.

What the vast majority of us have an issue with is a perceived lack of value or money.

I say perceived as I hope, that some of them are in it for the right reasons and actually do "put a shift in."